The research activities of the Department of Genetics and Complex Diseases (GCD) at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health concentrate on the molecular, cellular, and organismic adaptations and responses to nutrients, toxins, and radiation stress and explore the genetic basis controlling the heterogeneity of these interactions in experimental systems. Research in our department is focused on using interdisciplinary approaches to understand, prevent, and treat complex human diseases, which have the greatest impact on global human health.

A position is open for a Research Assistant in the laboratory of Dr. Gökhan Hotamisligil, where the focus is on immunometabolism and the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying metabolic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and asthma. It is well known that obesity is a major risk factor for asthma, however, the mechanisms leading to obesity related asthma are poorly understood. The successful applicant will be engaged in a project studying a newly discovered pathway that potentially plays a role in the pathophysiology of asthma and obesity related asthma.The Research Assistant will have the opportunity to receive training on the use of state-of-the-art pulmonary physiology instrumentation and will use molecular biology techniques, mammalian tissue culture, biochemical assays, immunostaining and microscopy to research the cellular and molecular pathways related to airway function and inflammation.

This position will require working with mice, including breeding and maintenance of the colony which will ultimately enable testing hypotheses on genetically engineered mouse models of human diseases and performing in vivo experiments related to lung physiology. The Research Assistant will be fully engaged with the intellectual activities in the lab and be responsible for organizing, processing, and reporting data. Other duties as required.

PLEASE NOTE: The finalist for this position will be required to pass an occupational health screen.PLEASE NOTE: This position has a term end date of one year from date of hire, with the possibility for extension.

Join the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health to support our mission of health research and education, and to be a part of the oldest institution of higher learning in the country!

Salary Grade: 052

Union: 55 - Hvd Union Cler & Tech Workers

- 1+ years of related experience is required; A combination of education and experience may be considered.

- BS/MS in biological sciences strongly preferred.- High level of initiative and motivation; ability to work independently and with a team. Excellent communication, organization, time management, and record-keeping skills. Must have demonstrated experience in handling sensitive and confidential information.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER: We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

About Harvard University T.H. Chan School of Public Health

Harvard University is devoted to excellence in teaching, learning, and research, and to developing leaders in many disciplines who make a difference globally. The University, which is based in Cambridge and Boston, Massachusetts, has an enrollment of over 20,000 degree candidates, including undergraduate, graduate, and professional students. Harvard has more than 360,000 alumni around the world. The University has twelve degree-granting Schools in addition to the Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study, offering a truly global education. Established in 1636, Harvard is the oldest institution of higher education in the United States.